SARATOGA SPRINGS — John (Wit) Patrick Riordan, 76, passed away Tuesday, January 28 at Saratoga Hospital.

Born on August 28, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Patrick H. and Marie (Kyzr) Riordan. John was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School and worked for over 30 years as a plumber. He enjoyed NASCAR and bluegrass music. John served during the Korean War in the New York State National Guard.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Wilma Jean Abeel King Riordan, who passed away on January 11, 2013.

Survivors include a stepson, Wayne King (Elsie) of Saratoga Springs and stepdaughter, Wendy Taylor (Don) of Greenfield Center; three grandchildren, Erin J. Gardner (Matt), Nicholas J. King and Afton Jo King; three great-grandchildren, Hailie and Wyatt Gardner and Antonio Payano.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

BALLSTON SPA — William C. Henry, 59, passed away on Tuesday, January 28 at Saratoga Hospital.

Bill was born in Chincoteague,Virginia on February 18,1954. He graduated from Suffern High School and received a BS in Business/Marketing from the University of West Florida. He was President of WCH Reality, Inc., Real Estate and Petroleum Services and Certified Commercial Investment Broker and Vice President of Marketing & Real Estate for Gas Land Petroleum.

Bill will be remembered for too many things to list, but some of which were his generosity, dependability and dedication to whatever he touched, and especially the love that he held in his heart for his daughters. He lived his life with integrity, kindness and a spirit of adventure and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include the mother of his children, Kathy Henry; daughters, Kayla Marie and Karlee Rae; his mother, Joan C. Henry; brother, Robert J. (Susan) Henry; sister Elizabeth Ann (Randy) Trask; Aunt Marie Angrisani and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws. He was predeceased by his father, G. Charles Henry, Jr.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

MECHANICVILLE — William J. Garland, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29 with his loving family by his side. Son of the late Emma and John Garland, Bill was born on January 15, 1929 and was a lifelong resident of Mechanicville.

He attended Mechanicville schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) in 1946 and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by the NYS Department of Transportation, Division of Canals, retiring in 1982 after 32 years of service.

An avid Red Sox fan, Bill was also known and loved for his gift of candor. He was devoted to working with the young people in his community where he was involved with the Youth Center, the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League and Pop Warner Football programs. Bill was a member of the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks and Disabled American Veterans. Previously he was a member of the Mechanicville Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club. Bill was a faithful parishioner of All Saints on the Hudson parish, where he and his wife would attend mass every Sunday until he took ill. After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf, taking trips to the casinos and the Saratoga Race Track and spending some time in Florida.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rosemary, and their three children, William (Theresa) Garland Jr., Kathleen (Glenn) Powers of Mechanicville, and Timothy (Christina) Garland of Ballston Spa. He was Poppy to seven beloved grandchildren, Maggie Powers, Kaylyn, Kara, and Devin Garland of Mechanicville and Sean, Jonathan and Patrick Garland of Ballston Spa. Bill is also survived by his sisters Rosemary Delano of Rexford and Catherine Strubel of Mechanicville as well as many dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jack. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shawn Michael Coombs, 30, passed away tragically on Friday, January 24 in San Diego, California.

Born on January 2, 1984 at Bellevue Hospital in Niskayuna, he is the son of Alan and Debi (Higgins) Coombs of Saratoga Springs. Shawn was a 2002 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. He was a graphic design major and also attended Adirondack Community College.

Shawn played many sports when he was younger, including football and Little League Baseball. He excelled in the use of computers from an early age and worked at Lazer Pix. Shawn has worked for the mortgage industry, as well as for Morgan RV Resorts as an associate and as a manager. He also started a graphic design business at one time called Picture It. Shawn was a free spirit and played the guitar. Anyone who knew him would say he was well-liked, funny, loving and generous. Material items did not matter to him, as he was known to give his last dollar to someone in need.

Sadly a bicycle/car accident when he was 16 later left him with a seizure disorder.

Shawn was predeceased by his grandparents, Katherine Coombs, Cecil Coombs, Lawrence Higgins, and Theresa Higgins Raffael; as well as his uncles, Floyd Keinath and Ricky James Higgins, and his beloved brother Jason Floyd Coombs, who passed away on September 12, 2011, at the age of 25. 

In addition to his parents, Shawn is survived by his sister, Jennifer Coombs of Ballston Spa; his brother, Ryan Coombs of Melbourne, Florida; his great uncle and aunt, Francis and Pauline Gagnon of Saratoga Springs; and several cousins. Shawn was also the proud father of his five-year old daughter Abigail, whom he loved with all his heart.

The news of his passing has been devastating to his family and dear friends. The family would like to thank everyone who has donated to help with the costs to bring Shawn home from California.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 4 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway (584-5373). Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue.

Donations may be made in Shawn’s name to the Epilepsy Foundation, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205-5523 or www.epilepsyfoundation.org/efneny. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

BALLSTON SPA — Mabel “Mae” V. Fisher, 92, of Maplewood Manor in the Village of Ballston Spa, passed away peacefully Monday, January 27 with her loving sons by her side.

Mae was born February 2, 1921 to the late Lewis M. French and Mabel (Whipple) French.

Prior to Mae's residency at Maplewood Manor, she was a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs. Along with her husband, Jerry, she ran the Saratoga Men’s Shop at the corner of Broadway and Caroline Street for many years. She loved the City of Saratoga Springs and enjoyed walking along Broadway and the city’s many other sidewalks. She also enjoyed cross-country skiing and had a love for horses and horseback riding, a love she passed on to her granddaughter Kimberly. She loved her dogs Iris, TJ and Jake, and also loved giraffes. 

In addition to her parents, Mae was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Fisher; son, Joseph E. Fuller, Jr.; brother, John French; and sister, Dodie Getter.

She is survived by her brothers, Lewis M. (Jane) French, Jr. of Greenfield Center and Robert (Kathy) French of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Survivors also include her sons, Robert Fuller of Greenfield Center and Jeffrey Fuller of Ballston Spa; daughter-in-law, Sandra Fuller of Saratoga Springs; granddaughter, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Hilliker of Porter Corners; grandson, Charles Fuller of Corinth; and great-grandson, Christopher P. Hilliker of Saratoga Springs.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff of Maplewood Manor for caring for Mae since 2009.

Donations may be made in Mae's memory to Maplewood Manor, Resident Activity Fund, 149 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, or to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Both the Saratoga Springs boys and girls varsity indoor track and field teams claimed Suburban Council titles on Saturday, January 25—the first time the two each won simultaneously in school history.

The championship crowns were earned by a well-rounded group on both the running and field event sides, as the Blue Streaks had multiple individual first place finishers throughout the day.

Saratoga Springs out-pointed Shenendehowa 119.75–99.75 in the girls championship and outscored the Plainsmen 121–72 in the boys events at the University at Albany.

Ellery Bianco claimed individual wins in all three of her events: 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles and 300-meter.

“She has definitely matured as an athlete,” said head coach Linda Kranick of Bianco. “She’s very composed and very focused. That says it all.”

For the boys, Robert Haughton won the 300-meter. Sophomores Aidan Tooker (long distance) and Haughton are just two of the many Saratoga Springs team members who make up a solid core that will be returning next season.

Bianco and runners Olivia Ventura, Estellla Smith, Spencer Hayes and Nick Anderson are just some of the Blue Streaks’ juniors, along with long jumper Liza Jelenik and Nick Green, who broke the school’s shot put record, previously held by Vince Riggi, earlier this season.

Kranick added that she was also encouraged by the Freshman Championships, as Saratoga Springs’ girls finished in first and the boys finished in third.

But with the future looking just as bright as ever for indoor, the Blue Streaks are caught up in the present, with senior powerhouse long distance runners like Jay Navin and Joe Verro, and focused on the next coming task—sectionals.

The Division I Sectional Shot Put and Pole Vault times are scheduled for Saturday, February 8 at SUNY Bubble from 2–8 p.m., while the track Division I Sectional Championships at SUNY Albany will be February 9 from 2:30–8 p.m.

In addition to her and her husband, co-coach Art Kranick, Linda Kranick credits the success of this season to the group of assistant coaches on this year’s team.

Tony Spackmann coaches the girls sprinters, while Chris Conley coordinates the boys. Tina Villa, a former Saratoga Springs High School and University at Buffalo athlete, is in charge of the throwers.

Blue Streaks great Keelin Hollowood’s father, Brien Hollowood, is now a coach and Diane Jorgenson handles the distance runners. Shane Vanetti coaches the younger age group and Jake Vanetti specifically helps the pole vaulters.

Both Saratoga Springs’ pole vaulters, senior Marlaina Murphy and sophomore Tom Conboy, finished in first place at the Suburban meet.

“It’s a team of coaches and a team of kids,” Linda Kranick said. “This year we have one of our largest teams and the kids are just excited about competing. We’re very proud of what they’ve done. I think part of it is getting former athletes back in the program. It’s kind of like controlled chaos, but the kids work hard and work together.”

After sectionals  next week, the Section II State Qualifiers at UAlbany will be February 16.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Florence Eileen (Sullivan) Smith, 90, passed away January 9 at Saratoga Hospital. 

Born on March 20, 1923 in Glens Falls, she is the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Florence Miles Sullivan. A graduate of Corinth Central High School, class of 1941, she was married to Thomas V. Smith of Greenfield Center in 1946. They resided in Corinth, Greenfield Center and later moved to Saratoga Springs in 2003.

Florence had a long and dedicated career in the food service industry in Saratoga and Warren Counties. She held management positions with Stewart’s Corp., Hidden Valley Ranch, J.J. Newberry’s, McDonald’s Corporation and was sole proprietor of J.D. Diner on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

An active parishioner of St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church in Saratoga Springs, she participated for over 20 years with the parish retreat program and as a Eucharistic Minister. A 62-year member of Court McLaughlin 422 Catholic Daughters of the Americas, she was a charter member of the Greenfield Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.

In addition, Florence was an avid and gifted singer in the community. She participated in over 25 plays and operettas locally and volunteered her beautiful voice to the ears of those in need at retirement homes and at many civic events over her lifetime.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Thomas V. Smith, Sr.; four children, Veronica E. Smith Gray of Caldwell, Ohio, Donna Smith Rickard of Mansfield, Ohio, Michael T. Smith of Greenfield and Thomas V. Smith Jr., of Chicago, Illinois; eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by one sister, Theresa Sullivan Thomas and two brothers, Thomas P. Sullivan and William J. Sullivan.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Robert J. Markes, 85, formerly of Kingston and Saratoga Springs, passed away on January 6 at JML Care Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts, after a long illness. 

Born and raised in Amsterdam, he graduated from Amsterdam High School. He received his undergraduate education at Union College in Schenectady, graduating at the age of 20 in 1948, after which he commenced his career in education as history teacher and coach of varsity basketball and cross country running at Middletown High School.

In 1963, he moved to the Kingston area to take a position as assistant principal at Jay Watson Bailey Junior High School. Shortly afterward, he became the assistant superintendent of the Kingston City School district. In 1967, he became the Dean of Students at Ulster County Community College, ultimately becoming the dean of faculty and vice president of the college.  Throughout his academic career he continued to develop his own education, obtaining a Master’s degree at SUNY New Paltz and a Doctorate in Education from New York University.

After retiring in 1985 and moving to the Saratoga Springs area, he returned to what he really loved—teaching; for the following decade he taught a Masters level course in educational administration at the College of St. Rose. 

He was predeceased by his wife and love of his life, Margaret McMahon Markes, on October 18, 2012 after 64 years of marriage. In his youth, he always desired a big family, so it is fitting that he is survived by five children and their spouses—18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way): son, Paul (wife Leslie) of Buford, Georgia and their sons Robert (Joie), Kevin, John and David; son, Robert Markes (wife Margaret) of Candor and their children, Emily, Jennie (husband Andy), Selina (husband Michael), Miriam and Laura; daughter, Mary Hunt (husband Gregory) of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and their children, Brian (wife Erin), Elizabeth, and Kyle; daughter, Ann Markes of Northampton, Massachusetts (husband Matthew Kane) and their children, Amy, Timothy and Daniel; and son, John Markes of Kingston (wife Debra) and their children Caitlin, Sean and Kiley.

A great athlete, he played basketball and lacrosse for Union College, and was honored to be selected to play on the North team for the All-American North-South lacrosse game. He coached the Middletown High School basketball team to several DUSO championships.  In later years, as a volunteer coach, he coached a St. Joseph’s CYO basketball team to the upstate championship three years in a row. 

He had a strong commitment to civic duty and volunteerism. He was a great mentor to his children, grandchildren and many community members. He was a true gentleman and was generous, honest, and very loving to his wife and family. He will be dearly missed, but his teachings and way of life will stay with us forever.

The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful care given to him by the staff at JML Care Center.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward the continuing education of staff of the Nobska 2 unit of JML Care Center in Falmouth Massachusetts.  Checks can be made to JML Care Center and sent in c/o Ann Markes, 124 Maple Ridge Rd., Florence, MA   01062.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 14 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway by the Rev.  Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nicholas A. Marrano (Nick), 63, passed away at Saratoga Hospital while surrounded by loved ones on the morning of Saturday, January 11, from complications resulting from influenza/pneumonia.

Nick was born on November 12, 1950 in Mount Vernon to Michael Marrano and Angelina (Bottalico) Marrano and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1968. Nick went on to receive an Associate’s Degree from Miami Dade College and eventually completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Skidmore College while working there full time.

Nick was both a diligent worker and an entrepreneur. Over the years he held positions with the Saratoga Springs School District, Empire State College, Saratoga City Center, and worked as a security officer each summer at the Saratoga Race Course in addition to owning and managing nearly a dozen properties in the area.

Nick was an avid sports fan and was loyal to New York teams: the Giants, Knicks, Mets and Rangers. His other hobbies included swimming, fishing, hunting, canoeing and watching movies. Nick loved the outdoors and planned to retire in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina before his illness.

Nick is predeceased by his mother Angelina Marrano.

Survivors include his father, Michael Marrano of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his longtime companion, Cindy, of Saratoga Springs; former wife, Catherine (Carpenter) Marrano of Malta; three children, Michael C. Marrano of Hebron, Carrie (Marrano) Baeza (Adam) of Malta and Daniel V. Marrano of Ballston Spa; two grandchildren, Noah Baeza and Kaylee Marrano of Malta; sister, MaryAnn (Marrano) Kellam (Denis) of Monument, Colorado; nephew, Jordan Kellam of Williamstown, New Jersey; close friends, Tony Migliozzi of Saratoga Springs and David Buckley of Englewood, New Jersey; his dog, Gizzy, and many other friends and loved ones.

Relatives and friends may call from 9–10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 16 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

GREENFIELD CENTER — Gertrude Kenyon Powers Chamberlin, 101, passed away Saturday, January 4 at Wesley Health Care Center with her husband at her side.

She was born on March 3, 1912 in the Town of Moreau, Saratoga County, the daughter of the late Delbert and Lela Kenyon.

Gertrude was a devoted and loving wife and homemaker. A mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, gardener, deer hunter, and avid fisherwoman, she also enjoyed camping, bowling and horseback riding. Gertrude was a civic minded person having delivered home delivered meals for over 30 years, served on the board of trustees at the Greenfield Center Baptist Church and was president of AARP chapter 380 at one time. She also enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

 In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, William M. Powers; a four year old son, Billy; a grandson, Richard and brothers Dorr Kenyon, Vincent Kenyon, and Harold Kenyon.

Survivors include her husband, Ernest S. Chamberlin; sons Thomas F. Powers (Katherine) and Richard L. Powers (Jodie); grandsons Ernest (Michelle), Albert (Stephanie) and Jake; granddaughters, Connie (Jeff) and Barbara and several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Sanford (Yvonne) and sister Shirley and a daughter-in-law, Jan.

Many thanks for the love and prayers of friends and loved ones and for the dedicated care Gertrude received from the staff at 4 Springs.